Courses available in 2015/16

Introduction to Digital Design (semester 1)

This course provides a foundation in techniques and theory used in the design and development of digital media for screen and print publishing. Areas covered include an introduction to graphic design theory (form, colour, typography etc.), page layout (grids), user interfaces and web design (HTML, CSS, Canvas animations). The content of the course addresses design context such as aesthetic and audience, usability and the impact of form and platform on functionality. Practical work includes designing user interfaces and showcasing these via web pages and interactives.

Interactive Visual Design (semester 1)

This course introduces creative coding, a field which uses scripting and visual programming to produce multimedia output. In this course code becomes an accessible medium for creative expression. The course offers an overview of the field of multimedia art and how it has been embedded in commercial practice (e.g. Data Visualisation). The context of the course is formal process and computational thinking, interactivity, interface and engagement. This module provides opportunities for students to gain experience of integrating technologies and manipulating data, of developing generative algorithms and interactive behaviours, and of managing code efficiently from simple scripts to more complex object-oriented approaches, all of which have commercial value. Practical work includes designing interactive and data driven visuals.

3D and Animated Design (semester 1)

The context of the course provides an overview of 3D practice and CGI in composite renderings, animations and games through discussion of economy and detail, texturing, materials, lighting etc. In the second half of the course students will research animation techniques, which includes aspects of cinematography and visual narrative alongside the use of timelines and scripted processes. Practical work includes modelling and rendering mechanical objects, which are subsequently animated. The course is delivered through a series of lectures, tutorials, demonstrations, clinics and class-based critique of practical exercises and coursework submissions.

Sound Design Media (semester 1)

In this course you will become acquainted with some of the technologies that are used in contemporary sound design. You will explore the potential of recording sound with the equipment that you have available and you'll study a range of approaches to editing this in the digital domain. This course will be lecture and workshop based requiring you to make recordings, edit, discuss and critique them with others on the course. Libraries of your materials will then be used in creative sound design tasks as outlined in the project brief.

Media and Culture (semester 1)

This is an introduction to the dynamic intellectual context in which digital design and innovation takes place. Tutorials and lecture sessions cover topics that will enable you to discuss the impact of digital technology ranging from its immediate practical application to the long-term redefinition of the design professions and creative practice, including musical composition. The development of a broad social and psychological understanding of the nature and role of information, metaphor and interaction will also form an important component of the course.

Game Design Studio (semester 2)

This course will familiarise you with other technologies involved in digital design, in particular the complex processes involved in computer-game production. You will advance through a series of lectures, demonstrations, practical project work, exercises and critique in a group context.

Digital Media Studio Project (semester 2)

Students work as a group on a collaborative, extended project that brings together their various design skills in the context of a selection of exploratory project briefs. The course will be conducted as a studio with iterative development, group discussion, design development, presentations, criticism, and feedback. Tuition will be provided in the use of computer tools and devices where applicable.

Digital Playgrounds for the Online Public (semester 2)

The course is directed particularly to the creative aspects of the Internet and digital media. It explores current and emerging artistic practices and theories in the virtual public sphere This course will help to strengthen the academic core of both Digital Design Media and Digital Design Media ODL programmes by supporting the transfer of theoretical aspects of design and digital media into your design practice. The course aims to expose you to discursive frameworks through which your work can be discussed and to enable you to contextualise and reflect on your own creative ideas whilst developing a project.

Design, Entrepreneurship and Innovation (semester 2)

This course covers the skills required to become an entrepreneur in digital design and informatics. It will raise your awareness of the legal, business, managerial, creative, analytical and interpersonal skills relevant to setting up and running an innovative ICT application company.

Final Project (semester 2 and summer period)

This is the main project, the equivalent of the Master’s Dissertation in other programmes, which may be pursued as a group or individual exercise. The final project will allow you to demonstrate the knowledge and skills you have developed during the MSc, employ investigative methods of creative problem-solving and develop skills in group work.

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Are you interested in studying Digital Media Design - MSc Online Distance Learning at Edinburgh College of Art?

The University of Edinburgh is a charitable body, registered in Scotland, with registration number SC005336, VAT Registration Number GB 5929507 00, and is acknowledged by the UK authorities as a "Recognised Body" which has been granted degree awarding powers.